According to the oem repair manual, the first step of removing the intake maniford is to drain the engine coolant.

Let's hope it is not the starter issue.

 

For the past few days I have paid close attention to what is happening. The noise I'm hearing maybe normal start-up operations of the car. The closer I listened is sounds like EFI system and fuel pump. The starting issue I now believe is hit or miss...some times simply no response from starter.

 

coach1, did you find a solution to your problem?

I think I just experienced this exact problem this morning on my 06' SC430.

Thanks.

 

After ensuring that the connections are tight (at the starter, battery terminals and chassis ground), the next step is to apply 12 v to the starter (bypass the ignition switch). If it starts then you are thinking ignition switch or something upstream of the starter, if still no-go then you have it down to the solenoid and starter. At least, that's they way I've done it on other older vehicles.

 

I've never heard of the starter failing on either a LS400,SC400 or SC430. As the starter is located in the valley of the V engine it's a big job to get access to the starter motor.

I've personally seen very high mileage LS400 and SC400 (500,000km or more) still on the standard starter motor.

I would check the grounding point of loose connections.

 

You would be correct to assume the starters are unbreakable but I heard the same thing about the AC compressors and I just changed mine so every once in a while, a starter goes bad too.

 

Well this problem seemed to disappeared for a while. Ever since it started last year I have made a point to Fully engage the ignition key. The last couple of days I've had a couple of hick-ups. Turned the key....fully engaged to the start position....and nothing. Second attempt.....fine. So I'm thinking the ignition switch of relay. So far it hasn't failed completely to isolate the problem. I just don't want to find out in the middle of no where.

 

I have recently started having the same problem..

@coach1 - did you ever resolve the issue?

@BNR34 - did you resolve your issue? Was it the starter?

 

I have an 03 Sc430 and just started having the same problem.. At first I thought it was a bad battery cable because it a a ton of corrosion. That didn't solve it.. It didn't sound like a bad starter, you know, you turn the ignition and hear the high pitched whinning noise... It just took a few times of turnign the ignition switch..

@Coach, did you ever figure out what it was? Did you have the started replaced?

@BNR34 - did you ever figure out what the issue was?

 

I think before I went to the expense of replacing the starter motor, I would try the starter relay. In the engine compartment, on the drivers side wheel tower there is a relay/fuse box. If you open it up, look at the row of relays closest to the engine. The furthest aft relay ( purple in color on my 2004 SC430 ) is the starter relay. Fairly simple plug and play replacement. Found a new Denso relay on EBay for under $20.

 

Any update of the fix?

Did the purple starter relay fix the problem?

 

I am getting ready to have my 4th starter installed in '02 SC430. Used Denso reman each time and installed by local shop at around $650. Replaced at 59k miles, 102k, now again at 120k. Something is eating these things us and thus eating my lunch. Starts with grinding noise late in the cranking phase, then goes to intermittent seizing before completely freezing up.

Any ideas why this thing is blowing so fast? Last one installed just 2 yrs ago.

 

Did you reuse the starter gear? I had my starter replaced last year and my guy insisted to get a new gear. I don't know if this might have something to do with it.

 

bb430 is right. ALL the teeth on the gear need to be checked. I don't know if the starter on the 430 has alignment shims but bad alignment can wreck the starter too. If you're going to the same shop and they just keep putting starters in I suggest it's time to give someone else a shot at it. I know it horrifies people but maybe even the dealer! A Toyota dealer can do a good job for less money. Are you sure you're getting new or remanufactured starters? There is a big difference between remanufactured and rebuilt and all rebuilders and remanufactures are not alike quality wise.